As the year draws to a close, let us remember the lesser known voices of 2008; those who contributed to American culture. Maudie Hopkins, 93, was America's last Civil War widow. Harry Richard Landis, 108, American's second to last World War 1 vet. Jacob DeShazer, 95, participated in the Doolittle Raid. RAF pilot Bertram James, 92, survived "The Great Escape" which was planned by Eric Dowling, 92. Col. Donald Blakeslee, 89, flew more missions against the Luftwaffe than any other American fighter pilot. Joseph M. Juran, 103, was a quality control innovator in post-war Japan.

Dirth Pran, 65, Cambodian born American journalist, survivor of the Killing Fields. Frank Piasecki, 88, invented the tandem rotor placement for Chinook helicopters. Col. John Ripley, 69, prevented an attack by 20,000 enemy troops by blowing up the Dong Ha Bridge. Bernie Boston, 74, took a photo in 1967 of a protestor placing a carnation in the barrel of a riffle. Maj. Andrew J. Olmsted, 37, was an Army blogger from Iraq.

David Kahn, 98, wrote the theme to "Leave It to Beaver," Bob LeMond. 94, was the announcer. Earl Hagen, 88, composed the theme for "The Andy Griffith Show." Shell Kepler, 49, played Nurse Vining on "General Hospital." Manuel Padilla Jr., 51, was a Pharaoh in "American Graffiti." Dick Martin, 86, co-hosted "Laugh-In." Rob Knox, 18, is in the upcoming "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince."

Joan Winston, 77, helped organize the first "Star Trek" convention. Alexander Courage, 88, wrote the theme for "Star Trek" and even made the "Whoosh" sound as the Enterprises passes. Ray Ellis, 82, composed the music for the animated series. Dr. Alvin Marks, 97, gave us 3D glasses. Ben Chapman, 79, The Creature from the Black Lagoon. Gary Gygax, 69, co-creator of "Dungeons and Dragons"

Harry Lange, 77, designed a future that should have been in "2001: A Space Odyssey." Roy Scheider, 75, and Natasha Shneider, 52, shared a tender scene as the spaceship Leonov air-braked around Jupiter in "2010". Maila Nurmi, 86, was Vampira in "Plan 9 from Outer Space", a film partially financed by Reverend Lynn Lemon, 90, Baptist minister in Hollywood. Roberta Collins, 64, was Matilda the Hun in "Death Race 2000." John Phillip Law, 70, was the angel Pygar in "Barbarella." Beverly Gardland, 82, was in "The Alligator People" whose score was composed by Irvng Gertz, 93. Priscilla Allen, 70, said "Get ready for a surprise" in "Total Recall."

David Groh, 68, Joe Gerard on Rhoda. Christopher Allport, 60, appeared in Mad Men. Lois Nettleton, 80, was more than just "A Face in the Crowd." Allan Melvin, 84, was Sam the Butcher in "The Brady Bunch." Joy Page, 83, was Annina Brandel in "Casablanca." Nina Foch, 84 was in "Executive Suite." Robert J. Anderson, 75, was a young George Bailey in "It's A Wonderful Life." Mel Ferrer, 90, was Paul Berthalet in "Lili." Charles H. Gray, 86, was Clay Forrester in "Rawhide." Julius Carry, 56, was Lord Bowler in "The Adventures of Brisco County Jr.". Larry Haines, 89, was Stu Bergman on "Search for Tomorrow." Estelle Reiner, 94, said "I'll have what she's having."

Steve Gerber, 60, created Howard the Duck. The classic arcade game "Paperboy" was developed by Mark Haigh-Hutchinson, 43. Ollie Johnston, 95, was the last of Walt Disney's "Nine Old Men." Kermit Scott, 71, was a philosophy professor and namesake of Kermit the Frog, who was designed by Kermit Love, 91. Dick Sutcliffe, 90, created "Davey and Goliath." Ted Key, 95, created the cartoon "Hazel." Michael Silberkleit, 76, published "Archie" comics. Irving Belcher, 94, helped write the screenplay for "The Wizard of Oz." Wonderful Smith, 97, gave directions for Spinal Tap to get to the stage.

Marie Smith Jones, 89, was the last known speaker of the Eyak language. Sandy Allen, 53, stood 7 ft. 7 inches. Jorn Utzon, 90, designed the Sydney Opera House. Christopher Bowman, 40, was an Olympic figure skater. Brandi Hawbaker, 26, played in the 2007 World Series of Poker. Frank Rosenthal, 79, was a colorful Vegas sports handicapper and talk show host.